Paul Goodwin: Why Andy Williams signing is just what was required at Doncaster Rovers

Andy Williams

Published:17:16Monday 22 June 2015

The capture of Andy Williams is exactly what was required at Doncaster Rovers.

To get a 20-goal striker in on a free transfer - from under the noses of Sheffield United - is a big coup for the club and the first real sign of the ‘statement of intent’ that chief executive Gavin Baldwin promised at the end of last season.

With the first team squad due to report back for pre-season training next Monday, Williams’ arrival has provided some very timely reassurance that Rovers really do mean business.

It seems ludicrous in mid-June to talk about the manager being under pressure.

But signing Williams, a proven goalscorer of a good age and good character, has unquestionably released a pressure valve among those fans who were becoming frustrated by the lack of visible transfer activity.

That anxiety has now been instantly replaced by anticipation.

Goalkeeper Thomas Stuckmann was a solid addition earlier this month. The German is another strong character who knows exactly what it takes to get out of this division.

But beating the likes of the Blades, Bradford and Scunthorpe to land the highly sought-after Williams is just the sort of ‘statement signing’ that the club needed not only to convince their own fans about their intentions but also catch the eye of their remaining transfer targets.

Signing the third top scorer in last season’s League One might just help convince one or two other top performers to follow in Williams’ footsteps to the Keepmoat Stadium.

Paul Dickov might have to be patient in his attempts to add further new faces. He is unlikely to complete all his business before the squad depart for Portugal in 2-3 weeks time.

But with Williams now on board, you wouldn’t bet against a few more ‘statement signings’ before the summer is out.